Jul 25 – That Courage May Increase!

“I called on the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place.” (Psalm 118:5)

Prayer removes the pressures and struggles that surround us. It brings us into a spacious place and lifts us to higher ground. Those who pray will continually be strengthened and elevated by the Lord. The Bible says: “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)

Our Lord is not timid or fearful. He is the Lord of courage and strength. He encourages and strengthens His praying children. Through Moses, He strengthened Joshua. Through angels, He strengthened Daniel and Elijah. Through His nail-pierced hands, He strengthened and encouraged His disciples.

Satan seeks to entice believers into sin, for sin robs a person of spiritual confidence and boldness. The Holy Spirit, however, stirs believers to pray. Prayer brings great courage, heavenly strength, and holy zeal for the Lord. It enables us to move from victory to victory.

The Bible says that Paul gave thanks to God and took courage (Acts 28:15). Having been strengthened through prayer and thanksgiving, Paul boldly proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ without hindrance.

Peter and the disciples spent ten days fasting and praying in the upper room in Jerusalem. As a result, they were filled with holy zeal for the Lord. They no longer feared the Jews or the Pharisees but boldly preached Christ.

Scripture declares: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

Will you give yourself earnestly to prayer? Then you need not live in fear of people. Your conscience will remain clear before God. The Lord will honour your words and fill you with wisdom and power that no opposition can withstand.

In the model prayer, our Lord taught us to pray: “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13)

Children of God, the Lord is able to keep you from every form of evil. He will protect you from harmful influences, envy, malice, and every attack of the enemy. As you seek Him in prayer, He will surround you with His favour and strengthen your heart with divine courage.

Verse for further meditation: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)